Youth Appointments Welcome

Young people in any country represent the future of that country. They have a vital role to play in the development of the country, a duty they must perform. However, to ensure the active participation of young people in national development, they need to be supported and encouraged by the government, the private sector, the civil society and even their parents. 

One does not need to belabour the point that there are many young people who, if given the required support, can contribute meaningfully to national development. But bringing such youths aboard the development wagon becomes the responsibility of those in authority. 

It is indeed the responsibility of those entrusted with authority to enhance the participation of youth in national development by giving them opportunities that enable them to effectively participate in decision-making processes of our country. 

President Lungu should, therefore, be commended by all sober-minded and well- meaning Zambians for his move and resolve to appoint as many capable young people to positions of decision-making. 

From the time President Lungu assumed office, he has appointed several young people to positions of decision-making with the latest being 38-year-old Likando Kalaluka who has been appointed to the office of Attorney General. 

It is, however, disappointing that the Law Association of Zambia opposed the appointment of Mr Kalaluka on grounds of inadequate experience. Mr Kalaluka has served 11 years at the bar. 

It is, however, interesting to note that Members of Parliament from both the ruling party and opposition ratified Mr Kalaluka’s appointment. 

According to Patriotic Front Luanshya member of Parliament Stephen Chungu the Parliamentary select committee took into account important characteristics and attributes of the person that needed to serve in the office of the Attorney General. Mr Chungu also revealed that all state security agencies that were requested to scrutinise Mr Kalaluka’s records found that he had no criminal records and was a Zambian who would not pose a danger to the security of the country. 

And MMD Rufunsa MP Kenneth Chipungu said Mr Kalaluka is intelligent, morally upright and a visionary person who was constitutionally qualified for the position. This goes to prove that president Lungu is not appointing young people on mere basis that they are young but based on their competences. 

The president has further promised to appoint more young people and women. It is up to the young people to position themselves by way of acquiring and enhancing skills in their respective fields. To those who have already been appointed to positions of decision-making like Mr Kalaluka, it is time to prove that young people are responsible and capable. 

To be successful in any position of decision- making, young and old people need to embrace consultation. It is, therefore, our appeal to those who feel they are older and wiser to offer counsel and support all the young people tasked with huge responsibilities for a prosperous and better Zambia. Zambia Daily-Mail